L.G. Smith Boulevard # 526, Noord, Aruba | (586) 210-9239
Ocean views and away from the bustling High Rise Hotel District
15-minute walk to Arashi Beach or five minutes to Boca Catalina on foot
Gorgeous rooms; some with outdoor showers or semi-private infinity pool access
Free and quality made-to-order breakfast with a varied menu
Excellent dinner restaurant (must make a reservation)
Chic outdoor pool and sun deck
Free Wi-Fi and free parking
Hip boutique sells swimwear and gifts
Beach towels and beach chairs to borrow from the front desk
Across the street from the ocean, but nearest beach is a five-minute walk
Little of interest within immediate walking distance
No ocean views from the pool
For Aruba vacationers who want to escape the hustle and crowds of Palm and Eagle Beaches, look no further than the OCEANZ Boutique Hotel Aruba. This 13-room boutique hotel can feel like a sanctuary, but it might be a bit too far off the beaten path for first-time Aruba visitors or those without a car. Still, it's a five-minute walk to the cute and uncrowded Boca Catalina beach, or another 10 minutes down the road to Arashi Beach -- a local favorite. The serene rooms are individually decorated and two have a semi-private infinity pools with ocean views. Features include a chic swimming pool, free made-to-order breakfast, and dinner restaurant (reservations required). For travelers who want a social scene directly on the beach, rates are comparable at Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Serene and intimate boutique hotel, ideal for couples
OCEANZ Boutique is individually owned and was lovingly decorated with an artistic and European vibe. The architecture does an excellent job at combining indoor spaces with outdoor beauty. For instance, the lobby and restaurant area are enclosed by glass for ocean and pool views. Furnishings include clean lines and interesting art. A wide, curving staircase leads up to a few of the suites, and these are the most private. The neutral color palette and landscaping is subtle and looks chic. Most guests are couples, and many of them are repeat visitors who consider the hotel to be their secret getaway.
Location
On the less touristy northwest side of the island, a five-minute walk from Boca Catalina
The OCEANZ is located about a five-minute drive north of the island’s buzzing High-Rise district, which is on Palm Beach and filled with foot traffic, restaurants, casinos, clubs, and shops. OCEANZ is in a mostly residential neighborhood, directly across the street from the ocean, but it's difficult to enter the water since there's no beach. Instead, guests can borrow beach chairs and towels from the front desk and walk five minutes to the small stretch of sand and clear water at Boca Catalina. Arashi Beach, a larger beach with a club and sun loungers, is a two-minute drive or 15-minute walk. Downtown Oranjestad and Queen Beatrix International Airport can be reached in about 25 minutes by car.
Rooms
Artfully decorated and stocked with creature comforts; some outdoor showers
The 13 rooms and suites are divided into two buildings. The front building holds two suites with a shared infinity pool, and though it has gorgeous ocean views, it also overlooks the hotel's parking lot. The rooms in the back building are much more private, especially the two suites at the top floor. The Master Suites feature a private pool, king-size bed, and separate living area. Two 500 square-feet Junior Suites feature an outdoor shower and a covered bathroom that's completely private. All rooms and suites come standard with a minibar, coffeemaker, flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi. Decor differs in each, but usually includes a contemporary tropical color palette and high end finishes.
Features
Free hot breakfast, dinner by reservation, and chic outdoor pool
Since this is a boutique hotel, features are a bit limited. The day starts with a made-to-order breakfast that consists of freshly cut fruit and yogurt, along with a hot item like an omelet or pancakes. For dinner, guests can make a reservation and the evening menu includes pasta, fresh fish, and steak dishes, plus wine and cocktails. There's a full bar in the lobby and front desk staff serve as on-demand bartenders. The outdoor pool isn't large, but it's sufficient for the small number of guests and there are plenty of sun loungers. Beach chairs and beach towels are available from staff, for guests who want to check out the beach. Wi-Fi and parking are both free. There's a small boutique shop with resort wear and gifts.
